Name: Dr. Amanda Ritvo
How long have you lived in town? Since 2016.
Profession: Family medicine physician
Elected & appointed positions: Board member of JCCNS
What are your three main goals for the Board of Health if elected?
1. Science-based decisions: I will advocate for transparent, evidence-based public health policies that keep our community safe — including continued support for vaccines and other preventive measures. In a time of misinformation, I’ll be a steady science-based voice to help our community stay informed and confident in public health.
2. Promoting environmental health: I’m committed to strengthening our preparedness for future health challenges. I’d like to work on implementing a universal curbside composting program and host educational events to reduce landfill use, cut municipal waste costs and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Protecting childhood, reconsidering early smartphone use: I believe we need to change the culture around childhood smartphone use. I support the Wait Until 8th campaign to help families delay smartphone access until high school, in order to protect mental health, attention spans and childhood development. I will work to educate families and promote healthier tech habits among our youth.
What do you believe should be the main areas of focus for the Board of Health?
The Board of Health should be focused on identifying and addressing health issues that impact everyone in our community. As a physician with a strong background in preventive medicine, I believe we should prioritize primary prevention initiatives that support both the physical and mental well-being of Marblehead residents.
The BOH should remain a non-partisan body that represents and serves ALL members of our community. Open communication is essential — we must actively engage with constituents to understand their concerns and determine shared priorities for public health.
While a significant portion of the board’s work involves waste management and the Transfer Station, I openly acknowledge that this is a new area for me. I’m eager to learn more and contribute to its effective oversight.
Lastly, collaboration with surrounding health boards is vital. We don’t live in isolation — we are interconnected, and regional coordination helps us respond more effectively to today’s health challenges.
What skills and experience would you bring to the Board of Health?
As a family medicine physician, I’ve developed strong skills in compassionate listening, problem solving, and providing steady support — skills I would bring to the Board of Health to address community health challenges. I hold a bachelor’s in public health, a medical degree from George Washington University Medical school, and am board certified in family medicine. This combination of clinical and public health training allows me to approach issues with both a broad perspective and a practical mindset.
I welcome thoughtful conversations with neighbors who hold different viewpoints. In medicine, I often face complex problems — and when I don’t have the answer, I commit to researching and learning until I do. I would bring that same dedication to the board.
Finally, I’m a parent to young children who remind me every day what’s at stake and inspire me to build a healthier, more resilient community for all families.
Given the changes in the federal health infrastructure, including cuts in programs and services, what if any new responsibilities should the Board of Health take on?
This is a great question. As the federal government cuts vital public health programs, local boards of health must fill these crucial gaps. For example, defunding research on vaccine hesitancy means our board must be a trusted, evidence-based resource — one that not only shares facts but listens to and engages with hesitant families.
If mental health programs suffer further cuts, we must step up local support for organizations like the Marblehead Counseling Center. Through volunteer-driven outreach and a united community effort, we can continue to support each other.
We also need to ensure up-to-date emergency preparedness for future pandemics and climate-related disasters, along with strong systems to track infectious diseases and respond to outbreaks quickly.
Marblehead is a strong, connected community. Even as federal support declines, I’m confident we can protect and promote public health through a proactive, compassionate, and well-informed Board of Health.
